The SAZF Cape Council bids a heartfelt farewell to our Executive Director, Heather Blumenthal, as she and her husband prepare to make Aliyah and begin their next chapter in Netanya. While we will miss her profoundly, there is something beautifully fitting about seeing Heather return to the Jewish homeland – a journey she herself has inspired in so many community members. It feels like a full-circle moment for someone whose life’s work has been defined by love of Israel and devotion to the Jewish community.
Heather stepped into the role of Executive Director at a difficult time in the history of the SAZF CC. Our organisation had weathered a turbulent period, and needed to be rebuilt. With characteristic grace, professionalism, and deep community understanding, she helped to stabilise, re-energise, and reposition the Fed. She restored confidence not through force, but through presence: calm, capable, respected, and impossible not to like.
Just as the newly elected ManCom began its term, 7 October, 2023 changed the trajectory. Overnight, the entire landscape shifted. Heather, along with Chairman David Cohen, led the Council through those first chaotic months – and more than two years of war, missing hostages, despair and fragile hope – with clarity and compassion, ensuring that the Cape Town Jewish community had credible information and support at a time when the world felt unrecognisable to the Jewish people.
Her leadership during this period, despite rising antisemitism, aggressive protests, and the relentless pressures facing our community, has consistently helped deliver record-breaking attendance at SAZF Cape Council events, a testament not only to communal engagement, but to her charisma, credibility, and innate ability to bring people together. In moments that called for courage, she was courageous. In moments that required diplomacy, she was diplomatic. Always a guardian; always a leader.
Heather, we thank you for your hours of unwavering dedication to the Fed. May this next chapter for you and Ian be filled with fulfilment, purpose, and peace in Netanya.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה בְּבֹאֶךָ וּבָרוּךְ אַתָּה בְּצֵאתֶךָ
Baruch Atah B’voecha, U’varuch Atah B’tzetecha
Blessed shall you be in your coming, and blessed shall you be in your going.
Read Welcome Joshua Schewitz – SAZF Cape Council
SA Zionist Federation – Cape Council – Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
- For the current edition of the Cape Jewish Chronicle, click here.
- Subscribe to the Cape Jewish Chronicle: R450/year, or R38/month via debit order. Simply email us at subscriptions@ctjc.co.za and click here for payment info.
- The Cape Jewish Chronicle reaches over 6 000 readers monthly across print and digital platforms.
- To book advertising space or discuss a custom package contact Adéle Gradner Mobile: 083 321 5222 | Office: 021 464 6736 | Email advertising@ctjc.co.za
